L.A. is bracing for the return of more powerful winds as fires continue to burn As firefighters continue to battle blazes in multiple fires, more Santa Ana winds in the coming days threaten to increase fire risk. Read more on NPR

Southern California wildfires destroy or damage many houses of worship Faith communities in Los Angeles are trying to protect their homes and houses of worship from deadly wildfires. They are also trying to provide spiritual support for their traumatized congregations. Read more on NPR

Kate Bowler wants to have more ‘uncounted, completely-wasted, doesn’t-matter time’ On Wild Card this week, Kate Bowler opens up about how she wants to waste her time, her feelings about God and how she talks about death with her child. Read more on NPR

Kangaroo species went extinct in the Pleistocene. Research hops in with a possible explanation. In a mass extinction event some 40,000 years ago, Australia lost 90% of its large species, including nearly two dozen kinds of kangaroos. Two theories suggest why. Read more on NPR

7 global buzzwords for 2025: From ‘techquity’ to ‘climate displacement’ to ‘belonging’ What words will be buzzing about in the global health and development hive in the year ahead? Our experts have nominations for your consideration. Read more on NPR

Exit interview: DOT Sec. Buttigieg on infrastructure act and the road ahead In an exit interview with All Things Considered, DOT Secretary Pete Buttigieg reflects on the Biden administration’s infrastructure act and why it didn’t resonate with some voters. Read more on NPR

How one U.S. conservationist’s work is helping to preserve Chile’s wilderness Chile is set to gain its 47th national park early this year — largely due to the efforts of U.S. conservationist Kristine Tompkins and her organization. Read more on NPR

People are rushing to install solar panels before Trump becomes President Potential rooftop solar customers and installers worry the incoming Trump administration might try to eliminate a 30% federal tax credit. Some customers plan to install sooner because of that and solar companies are changing their business plans. Read more on NPR

Jack Smith has resigned from the justice department, after submitting his Trump report Special counsel Jack Smith has resigned from the Justice Department after submitting his report on President-elect Donald Trump, amid legal wrangling over how much of the document can be made public. Read more on NPR

Biden awards Pope Francis the Presidential Medal of Freedom with distinction The White House commended Pope Francis for his commitment to serving the poor, as well as advocating for peace and protecting the planet. Read more on NPR